2022 CT4 Blackwing Review (current E90 M3 owner)

[cnofar]

Hello Everyone,
My name is Christopher, and I was lucky enough to recently purchase a 2022 CT4V Blackwing (aka 4BW) locally, so I thought I'd give a very initial review. Currently my vehicle only has about 250 miles on it so it's not past the break in period yet.

I wanted to give my initial impressions. I'm a long time Honda and BMW nut, and Cadillac is brand new to me. I've owned 3 Honda S2000s (my favorite car to date), and various BMW M3s including a 2006 E46 M3 Competition Package, 2008 E90 M3 sedan (current), and 2015 F80 M3 sedan. Plus I've had a 2015 Subaru WRX STI, and some other cars sprinkled in for fun.

Initial driving review of the CT4V BW, I will say I think size wise it's closest to the E90 M3, but interior/features wise it compares best to the F80 M3. I know there's a lot of comparisons to the G80 M3 but typically those are Competition or all wheel drive spec cars and not a direct comparison. Plus the spec's G80 M3's are running typically $80-90K before markups. I am still on a wait list for G80 M3 and was told 6-12 months, maybe...

On to the review of the 4BW:
Interior fit and finish is very acceptable at this price range, but not over the top. I think the BMW's have somewhat nicer materials in the areas that aren't seen or admired as readily (e.g. lower dash can be leather covered, lower door cards are somewhat softer touch materials, adjustable center arm rests, etc). Infotainment is pretty easy to use. Very happy there are hard buttons for climate control, and touch screen is just for adjusting vehicle settings, navigation, radio, etc.

The interior cabin has a bit of a "closed in" feeling to it. The window sill is higher, the space a bit more tight than my M3's of various generations. It's not claustrophic by any means, but it is more open/airy in the BMW's for sure.

Shifter/linkage of the Tremec is much better than any of my prior M3's; much more direct acting. My only complaint is that the shifter position seems a bit too "rearward" spaced for me, but at 5 foot 7 inches I sit somewhat close to the wheel for comfort so that's probably just due to my seating position.

Trunk room is great, very good opening but the sill is a bit high. Haven't really had a change to use the trunk much though.

Front seats are quite comfortable given their aggressive bolstering that can be adjusted in lumbar and thigh supports. Very comfortable indeed. Rear seat room compares best to my E90 M3; it's not great, not horrible, just adequate. I'm 5 foot 7 inches and I can sit behind my driver's seat in the 4BW with more than adequate knee and head room; it's just the ingress/egress is a bit tight but do-able.

I do wish there was more rear seat room in the 4BW for child seats, but I was unwilling to spend more to get a CT5V Blackwing, especially with dealer markups. I have two young children ages 4 and 1.5 years old. I have two forward facing child seats in the 4BW, and I can easily have my kids seated with adequate leg room, even with the front seats set to my wife's and I preferences. I did put seat back protectors on the rear seats, and back of the front seats which I highly recommend (I've done this in all my M3's). If you have a rear-facing child seat this will significantly compromise front seat room in the 4BW (similar to my E90 and F80 M3's), so that's something to consider.

I hope to have more updated reviews in the coming months, especially after break in mileage is completed and I can finally rev the car! Plus I will be comparing/contrasting to my E90 M3 along the way.


Best Regards,
Christopher

[nycplumber]

Really eyeing one of these up as a daily. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on sound once the engine is ran in and you can push it.

[MeisterS]

Nice write-up Christopher! make sure to break it in before Waterford trackday!

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by cnofar

Shifter/linkage of the Tremec is much better than any of my prior M3's; much more direct acting.

This is what interests me most about the CT4V Blackwing, I imagine it would make a great manual daily! Fwiw I've had a manual Ford Ranger, 350z, B8.5 S4, F80 M3, and GT4. The F80 was disappointing and the GT4 was by far the best/most-mechanical-feeling. Haven't tried a tremec yet but hope to.

Thanks for sharing and congrats on the new car!

[414bhp]

Thanks for sharing! I'm very interested in hearing your dynamic impressions in the future. I have a 2014 CTS-V that I love, and the new BWs are very enticing.

Are the dealers asking for markup on the 4BW also? If so, what's the common markup?

[cnofar]

Originally Posted by 414bhp

Thanks for sharing! I'm very interested in hearing your dynamic impressions in the future. I have a 2014 CTS-V that I love, and the new BWs are very enticing.

Are the dealers asking for markup on the 4BW also? If so, what's the common markup?

So I did not pay markup for my car. I refuse markup, personally. Most dealers are asking about $10k over for CT4 Blackwing and about $20-30k for the CT5 Blackwing.

I was fortunate to build my CT4 Blackwing and only pay msrp.

Christopher.

[///M3Fresh]

Originally Posted by cnofar

So I did not pay markup for my car. I refuse markup, personally. Most dealers are asking about $10k over for CT4 Blackwing and about $20-30k for the CT5 Blackwing.

I was fortunate to build my CT4 Blackwing and only pay msrp.

Christopher.

Christopher, Have any seat time in the ATS-V? If you can give any input on how it compares to the outgoing ATS-V?

[cnofar]

Originally Posted by ///M3Fresh

Christopher, Have any seat time in the ATS-V? If you can give any input on how it compares to the outgoing ATS-V?

Unfortunately I never drove an ATS or ATS-V.

[nick3753]

How is the ride comfort vs the e90 on these third world southeast Michigan "roads".

[cnofar]

Originally Posted by nick3753

How is the ride comfort vs the e90 on these third world southeast Michigan "roads".

I can compare the CT4 BW to my E90 and F80 M3's. I feel the Caddy "Tour" mode is much more compliant and comfortable then "Comfort Mode" ever was in the F80 M3 or even the E90 M3. In Tour mode the exhaust is quiet, the ride very well dampened and composed, and even my wife likes the ride (that speaks volume).

[cnofar]

1600 mile update:
So far so good!. The CT4 is very comfortable as a daily driver in Michigan. It's been great to haul the kids around, and even my wife liked it a lot.

Ride comfort: Definitely more comfortable, well composed and dampened ride in Tour mode vesrus Comfort mode in the M3.

Steering: It's artificially heavy in Sport/Track modes, doesn't give any more feel, just more weight.

Exhaust sound: Tons of pops and crackles on over run and RPM trending down, linked to Sport and Track modes. A little gimmicky for my taste but others seem to like it.

Styling: Definitely received WAY more thumbs up/likes on the road, supermarket, parking lots than I EVER did in any M3 I had. It's crazy how much attention this car gets in Electric Blue too. I'm also impressed that the front end carbon fiber package 2 (front splitter etc) hasn't scratched on anything yet (crossing fingers!).

Seats: MUCH more comfortable and well bolstered than any M3 or Competition package seat I had. Super adjustable, very comfortable, and you sit lower than in any M3 I had before.

Gas mileage: averaging about 18mpg mixed, city and highway.

Wants:
Wish it revved higher like 7000/7500 rpm. Electronic parking brake is to left of steering wheel, odd location.

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by cnofar

1600 mile update:
So far so good!. The CT4 is very comfortable as a daily driver in Michigan. It's been great to haul the kids around, and even my wife liked it a lot.

Are your kids in car seats? I'm curious if child car seats fit okay.

Thanks for the updates!

[cnofar]

Originally Posted by 414bhp

Are your kids in car seats? I'm curious if child car seats fit okay.

Thanks for the updates!

Yes I have two kids in forward facing car seats, ages 4 and 2. I'm 5 foot 7, my wife 5 foot 2, both of us sit in our desired seating position and the kids have more than enough room in the back. I just put seatback protectors on back of front seats (my kids kick them often). Been a perfect family car so far.

Christopher

[cnofar]

[QUOTE=Reggan Docks;29194488]Hi chris ! how do you rate the performance of it on the long term


So, I've only had the car 2-3 months now. Haven't had any maintenance/warranty issues thankfully, but again still early to tell. I will tell you it definitely "feels" faster than my E90 M3 and even the F80 M3. The interior materials are holding up well, the touch screen/apple car play etc works well. The leather is holding up well too. I ordered Sky Cool Grey, which is more white than grey actually, and it's held up well, no dye transfer from wearing jeans etc.

Overall very happy with the way the car runs/drives. Still give me giggles when I enter freeway onramps, etc. Definitely quick car for sure.

Christopher

[clubracer6]

Hi, Any update on your BW? You seem to have the same affliction as I when it comes to cars. Just turned 53 and am on car 75, which is a F80 M3. Honestly, I do love it and it’s been a great car, but there are times I just want a new car with a warranty. I really like the dual personality of the F80, but sometimes which it were a bit quieter inside when I have clients in there. Also a bit smoother.

Thanks!

[pbonsalb]

My father in law is 78 and has had 160 cars. I am 58 and have had 11. I kept my E90 M3 for 10 years. Have an F90 M5 now and might keep it 10 years.

[Scrippy]

It’s a great car but it is not Cadillacs M3 yet. Based off timeline it should make me want to let go of mine. Biased yes

[MPG_LOL]

How is the throttle response? Any rev hang?
A buddy had a ATS-V and said it had bad rev hang, this CT4BW has a similar engine

[cnofar]

Originally Posted by MPG_LOL

How is the throttle response? Any rev hang?
A buddy had a ATS-V and said it had bad rev hang, this CT4BW has a similar engine

Sorry for late reply, seeing this very late. Rev hang is not that bad, it's somewhat noticeable but really quite minor. On a separate note the Rev Match function is wonderful to use here and there.

[BimmerMan33]

OP, do you still have the CT4V BW?
Would you mind writing a follow up review as it’s been a while..

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by BimmerMan33

OP, do you still have the CT4V BW?
Would you mind writing a follow up review as it’s been a while..

+1 for an update!